Switch construction

ABSTRACT

The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is directed to a switch construction which includes a base member which has a pair of slide surfaces. A cam surface formed as an integral part of one of the slide surfaces. A frame member is positioned over the base member and provides a cavity therein to receive a carrier member which supports a movable permanent magnet. The carrier member has a protrusion extending from one side thereof and forms a cam follower engagable with the cam surface. The carrier member is made of resilient material and has a slot formed over the cam follower member to provide an integral resilient support portion for the cam follower. The switch structure includes one or more closed magnetic core structures of the type having drive and sense lines passing therethrough and wherein transformer coupling of signals between the drive and sense lines occurs only when the closed magnetic core structures are magnetically unsaturated.

United States Patent [1 1 Bury SWITCH CONSTRUCTION George J. Bury, Lake Villa, 11].

73 Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc., Chicago,

[22] Filed: Mar. 8, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 339,137

75 Inventor:

[52] US. Cl. 335/2, 335/205 Primary ExaminerGeorge Harris Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Olson, Trexler, Wolters, Bushnell & Fosse, Ltd.

111 3,800,249 Mar. 26, 1974 [57] ABSTRACT The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is directed to a switch construction which includes a base member which has a pair of slide surfaces. A cam surface formed as an integral part of one of the slide surfaces. A frame member is positioned over the base member and provides a cavity therein to receive a car rier member which supports a movable permanent magnet. The carrier member has a protrusion extending from one side thereof and forms a cam follower engagable with the cam surface. The carrier member is made of resilient material and has a slot formed over the cam follower member to provide an integral resilient support portion for the cam follower. The switch structure includes one or more closed magnetic core structures of the type having drive and sense lines passing therethrough and wherein transformer coupling of signals between the drive-and sense lines occurs only when the closed magnetic core structures are magnetically unsaturated.

SWITCH CONSTRUCTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to a switch structure, and more particularly to a two position slide switch with means for indexing the slide carrier at one of two or more positions.

The use of close loop magnetic core structures as switching devices has become well known in the art of solid state switches. This type of switch structure comprises a close loop magnetic core structure, preferably toroidal in configuration, and has drive and sense lines passing therethrough. Signal information is delivered along the drive line and transformer coupled to the sense line when the closed magnetic core structure is in an unsaturated condition. Upon unsaturating of the core transformer coupling of the signals between the drive and sense lines occur. This transformer coupling then provides signals which can be delivered to a solid state switching device such as an RS flip-flop, or the like, to control certain logic functions. While solid state switch structures of this general type are illustrated herein, with the new and improved detent configuration, it will be understood that any solid state or mechanical switch structure can use the novel cam detent slide mechanism of this invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved switch structure wherein resilient means are formed as an integral part of a cam follower on a carrier mechanism.

Another object of this invention is to provide a switch structure which is efficient and reliable in use while being relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

A feature of this invention is the use of a cam surface formed in one slide surface of the switch interior which engages the cam follower formed on another slide surface within the interior of the switch. The cam follower is positioned immediately adjacent a slot formed in the material, and the material itself has sufficient resiliency to maintain a spring bias condition of the cam follower while it is in contact with the cam surface.

Many other objects, features, and advantages of this invention will be more fully realized and understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals throughout the various views of the drawings are intended to designate similar elements or components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of a switch constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the various components of the switch structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view through the switch structure of FIG. 1 showing the relative cooperation of components therein;

FIG. 4 is a detailed plan view of the base member of the switch of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the base member-of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an end view of the base member of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the carrier member constructed in accordance with this invention and shows the projection and slot which maintains a resilient cam follower member as an integral part therewith;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the carrier member of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a sectional end view taken along line 99 of FIG. 7; and

, FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of an alternate form of switch structure in accordance with this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings there is seen a switch structure designated generally by reference numeral 10. The switch structure 10 includes a slide actuating member 12 extending through an elongated opening 13 formed in the top ofa frame member 14. While the embodiment of the switch structure illustrated herein is directed to a slide switch it will be understood that other switch configurations may be used. For example, a toggle switch construction, FIG. 10, can be used to pivotally slide a carrier member from one position to another position in the same fashion as manual manipulation of the slide member 12. The frame member 14 includes a pair of diametrically opposed extended tab portions 14a and 14b through which apertures 16 'are formed for mounting purposes.

. Movably positioned within the cavity of the switch structure 10 is a carrier member 18 which supports a permanent magnet 19 along one side thereof. The movable permanent magnet 19 is used to magnetically saturate and unsaturate one or more closed loop magnetic core structures during switching operations. A base member 20 is located at the bottom of the frame 14 and provides a pair of slide surfaces 21 and 22 which engage corresponding mating slide surfaces formed on the carrier member 18. An island portion 23 is formed between the slide surfaces 21 and 22 and is used to support and hold in position a pair of closed loop magnetic core structures 24 of toroidal configuration. It will be understood that the closed loop magnetic core structure can be rectangular, or oval in configuration rather than toroidal.

A drive wire 26 passes through both of the close loop magnetic core structures while independent sense wires 27 and 28 pass through respective different ones of the core structures. A common drive signal therefore is used to transformer couple necessary signal information to the sense wire of the magnetically unsaturated core structure. However, it will be understood that a pair of independent drive wires may be used and an independent or a common sense wire to form different switch functions.

In the illustrated embodiment the drive wire 26 and sense wires 27 and 28 depend from the base member 20 a sufficient distance to provide a plurality of terminal connector ends 25 which can be inserted through openings of a printed circuit board and electrically connected to a printed circuit formed thereon by any one of the multitude of different techniques.

To assemble the switch structure 10 a pair of grooves 29 and 30 are formed on opposite sides of the base 20 and next to the slide surfaces 21 and 22. These grooves receive corresponding bottom edge portions 31 and 32 of the frame member 14. The base member and frame member 14 are then secured together by gluing or heat sealing to form the' necessary cavity therein for the carrier 18.

In accordance with the novel concepts of the present invention a cam surface 34 is formed on at least one of the slide surfaces 21 and 22, it being here illustrated on g the slide surface 22. In cooperation with the cam surface 34 is a projection 36 extending downwardly from the carrier member 18 and forms a cam follower to ride over the cam surface and lock the carrier in one of the two positions as shown. It will be understood that there may be three or more undulations formed in the cam surface 34 and the carrier 18 have three or more distinct stopping positions. Most advantageously, a slot 38 is formed adjacent the projection 36 and thereby forms an integral resilient member of the projection with the carrier, 18.

As best seen in FIG. 3 the vertical extent of the cavity formed by the base 20 and the top wall 140 of the frame 14 is substantially equal to the vertical extent of the carrier 18 minus the distance of the projection 36. Therefore, the carrier 18 is confined substantially within the cavity for sliding movement therein. The top wall 14c of the frame 14 applies sufficient downward force to the cam follower and the cam surface so that the slot 38 is somewhat compressed as a result of the resiliency of the material.

The switch structure disclosed herein needs no additional springs or roller bearing devices to provide stop detent means for a two position or other multiposition slide mechanism. The material from which the carrier member is made may be of any suitable resilient moldable plastic such as nylon or the like.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 the base member has ledge portions 70 upon which the toroidal magnetic cores 24 are positioned and held in place. A plurality of apertures 71 are provided at spaced apart locations along the central axis of the island portion 23 of the base member through which inverted U-shaped bent wire portions are inserted to form the drive and sense lines for the solid state switch.

The details of the carrier member 18 are shown in FIGS. 7,8, and 9. Here it can be seen that the magnet 19 is maintained in position in a cavity 18a. The magnet may be secured by a press fit within the cavity 18a or it may be glued by suitable adhesives or the like. In the illustrated embodiment the projection 36 has bevelled side wall portions 36a and 36b to provide minimum contact surface area with the cam surface 34.

Referring now to FIG. there is seen an alternate form of a switch structure constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention and is designated generally by reference numeral 60. It will be understood that the switch 60 has the same general cam surface and cam follower configuration as clearly disclosed in FIG. 2 and, wherein a slot is formed over the cam follower to provide an integral resilient cam follower member on the carrier. However, in this instance a frame and base member are shown together to form a switch housing 61 from which extends connectors 62 which are part of the movable carrier member mounted within the switch housing. A pivotal actuator 63 is mounted to a pair of upstanding support arms 64 and is pivotally secured thereto by means of a transverse pin 66. The pivotal actuator 63 has a lower portion 63a which engages the connectors 62 to provide a sliding action substantially in the same manner as the slide actuator l2 of FIG. 1. Extending downwardly from the switch housing 61 is a plurality of connector pins 67 to be inserted through correspondingly spaced apart apertures in a printed circuit board soldered into associated circuitry.

Accordingly, variations and modifications of this invention may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novelconcepts disclosed and claimed herein.

The invention is claimed as follows: I

l. A switch construction comprising; a base member, a frame member positioned over and secured to said base member, said frame member and said base member cooperating to provide a cavity therebetween, a cam surface formed in said cavity, a carrier member of resilient material movably positioned in said cavity, said carrier member having an end wall portion, a projection formed on the end wall portion of said carrier member to form a cam follower extending toward and engageable with the cam surface formed in said cavity, and a slot formed in the end wall portion of said carrier member, said slot being positioned a distance from said protrusion to resiliently support the protrusion as an integral part of said carrier member, thereby resiliently urging said cam follower into engagement with said cam surface as said carrier member is moved from one position to another position in said cavity.

2. The switch construction according to claim 1, further including at least one slide surface formed in said cavity, said cam surface being formed in a central portion of the slide surface, and said protrusion forms a portion of a mating slide surface on said carrier member.

3. The switch construction according to claim 2, wherein the spacing between the interior wall surfaces of said base member and said frame member substantially confines transverse movement of said carrier member during its longitudinal movement to maintain said cam follower in resilient engagement with said cam surface.

4. The switch construction according to claim 1, wherein said frame member includes an elongated opening, stem means secured to and extending from said carrier member, said stem means extending through said elongated opening for moving said carrier during actuation of said switch.

5. The switch construction according to claim 1, further including means for supporting a closed magnetic core within said cavity, a sense line passing through said closed magnetic core, and a drive line passing through said closed magnetic core, said closed magnetic loop member being magnetically saturated and unsaturated in response to the presence and removal of a magnetic field, and a permanent magnet secured to said carrier member for movement therewith, said permanent magnet being positioned adjacent said closed magnetic core structure in one position and removed from said closed magnetic core in another position to saturate and unsaturate the same.

6. The switch construction according to claim 5, further including a second closed magnetic core, said drive line passing through both of said closed magnetic core, and a second sense line passing through said second magnetic core.

7. The switch construction according to claim 6, wherein said drive line and said sense lines extend from said base member to be inserted and connected to a printed circuit board. 

1. A switch construction comprising; a base member, a frame member positioned over and secured to said base member, said frame member and said base member cooperating to provide a cavity therebetween, a cam surface formed in said cavity, a carrier member of resilient material movably positioned iN said cavity, said carrier member having an end wall portion, a projection formed on the end wall portion of said carrier member to form a cam follower extending toward and engageable with the cam surface formed in said cavity, and a slot formed in the end wall portion of said carrier member, said slot being positioned a distance from said protrusion to resiliently support the protrusion as an integral part of said carrier member, thereby resiliently urging said cam follower into engagement with said cam surface as said carrier member is moved from one position to another position in said cavity.
 2. The switch construction according to claim 1, further including at least one slide surface formed in said cavity, said cam surface being formed in a central portion of the slide surface, and said protrusion forms a portion of a mating slide surface on said carrier member.
 3. The switch construction according to claim 2, wherein the spacing between the interior wall surfaces of said base member and said frame member substantially confines transverse movement of said carrier member during its longitudinal movement to maintain said cam follower in resilient engagement with said cam surface.
 4. The switch construction according to claim 1, wherein said frame member includes an elongated opening, stem means secured to and extending from said carrier member, said stem means extending through said elongated opening for moving said carrier during actuation of said switch.
 5. The switch construction according to claim 1, further including means for supporting a closed magnetic core within said cavity, a sense line passing through said closed magnetic core, and a drive line passing through said closed magnetic core, said closed magnetic loop member being magnetically saturated and unsaturated in response to the presence and removal of a magnetic field, and a permanent magnet secured to said carrier member for movement therewith, said permanent magnet being positioned adjacent said closed magnetic core structure in one position and removed from said closed magnetic core in another position to saturate and unsaturate the same.
 6. The switch construction according to claim 5, further including a second closed magnetic core, said drive line passing through both of said closed magnetic core, and a second sense line passing through said second magnetic core.
 7. The switch construction according to claim 6, wherein said drive line and said sense lines extend from said base member to be inserted and connected to a printed circuit board. 